The Utah DWR implemented an emergency statewide closure for shed hunting in Utah to protect wintering big game. The antler gathering restrictions are effective Feb. 7 through April 30, 2023 across Utah including both private and public lands. The last time shed hunting was prohibited in Utah was 2017. DWR biologists have been monitoring the condition of the deer as well as snow depths and winter temperatures across Utah since early December. Data from these monitoring efforts and GPS tracking show that the extreme cold and increased snowpack across the state are starting to impact mule deer fawn survival rates, and may negatively impact the ability of the adult deer to survive the winter. The DWR also implemented emergency deer feeding in parts of Rich, Summit and Cache counties, as additional efforts to help wintering big game. The DWR will continue to monitor the condition of deer and the winter conditions across the state and may lift the closures earlier than April 30, if conditions allow.
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